Granite countertops aren't just for kitchens. You can really spruce up a bathroom by attaching a granite countertop to your vanity sink. Granite vanity tops are more expensive than traditional laminate countertops, but they're a lot more durable. If you want to save some money, you can install the vanity top yourself. As
Fix It Up's Pat Simpson and Jodi Marks demonstrate, it's not that difficult.
* Although home-improvement centers keep some granite vanity tops in stock, you 'll probably need to order one to fit your vanity. Just take the measurements of your vanity to the home-improvement center, and they'll help you through the ordering process.
* If you're planning to install a new faucet, you can save time by replacing the top and faucet together. A top-of-the-line vanity top and faucet will probably cost about $600.
Materials:
granite vanity top
bathroom faucet
pipe wrenches
adjustable wrenches
screwdrivers
bucket
plumber's putty
Teflon tape
safety glasses
Steps:
- If you're not starting with a new vanity, you'll need to remove the existing top and faucet. Just shut off the water supply valves under the sink, disconnect the water supply and drain lines, cut through the caulk seal, and lift the top and faucet off the vanity. If you're planning to reuse the faucet, remove it from the original top.
- Attach the faucet to the new vanity top (figure A). Start by inserting the spout shank through the deck of the vanity top and secure it with a fastening nut from below.
- Attach the hot and cold water valves and secure them with fastening nuts from below .
- Connect the two valves to the faucet spout with flexible supply lines (figure B). Then wrap Teflon tape around the valve threads, and attach the other ends of the supply lines to the valves.
- To begin attaching the drain assembly, press a roll of plumber's putty around the underside of the drain flange (figure C).
- From below, insert the drain assembly through the drain hole of the basin (figure D).
- Thread the drain and flange together. As the flange is tightened, it will be seated in the putty you applied earlier (figure E).
- Insert the pop-up control arm into the drain assembly (figure F). Be sure the rubber gasket is in place before you insert the arm.
- Tighten the locking nut to secure the control arm in place (figure G).
- Attach the pivot rod to the pop-up control arm, and secure it with the thumbscrew (figure H).
- Wrap Teflon tape around the male threads of the drain tailpiece, and attach it to the drain assembly (figure I).
- Next, insert the pop-up drain plug. The drain plug has a slot for the control arm , but you may prefer resting the pop-up on top of the control arm. That way, you can lift it out of the drain for easier cleaning.
- Apply a bead of adhesive caulk around the top of the vanity (figure J). Be sure to caulk all four sides.
- Lift the top (you may need help) and place it on the vanity. Make sure the top is centered and tight against the wall and that you have equal overhang on each side . Then scrape off any excess adhesive.
- Underneath the vanity, join the water supply lines from the faucet to the shutoff valves.
* Water supply lines come in various lengths and sizes, so you'll have to measure the distance from the faucet to the shut-off valve before purchasing the lines.
- Attach the drain assembly to the drain pipe in the wall (figure K), and tighten the fittings with a wrench.
- Remove the aerator from the faucet so it won't get clogged with debris when you open the valves.
- Open the valves under the sink and check for leaks. Then slowly turn on the hot and cold water faucets to bleed off any air in the pipes. When the faucet runs smoothly , turn off the water and replace the aerator.
- Close the stopper on the drain, fill the sink with water, and then let it drain all at once. As it's draining, check under the sink for leaks in the drain lines .
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